The article discusses the importance of tax and estate planning for individuals to avoid giving the government an interest-free loan for the previous 12 months, which could have saved them money. It suggests that individuals who earn a salary should decide how much tax withholding will apply to regular paychecks. The W-4 form should be updated if married couples get married or divorced, have a child, start a side hustle or buy an investment property. Withdrawals from traditional and beneficiary IRAs are subject to both federal and state taxes, particularly for retired couples who are not making quarter tax pre-payments. Non-itemizers can now deduct up to $1,000 above the standard deduction for non-taxed charitable donations.